Ontario's new law capping ticket resale prices at 50% above face value has not yet led to any fines, despite being in effect for several months. The legislation, aimed at curbing scalping and making events more affordable, came into force in early 2026. However, the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery has confirmed that no tickets have been issued under the new rules.
Enforcement Challenges
The lack of fines has sparked debate about the effectiveness of the law. Critics argue that enforcement is difficult because resellers often operate online from outside the province or use sophisticated methods to evade detection. “We need to see more proactive monitoring,” said consumer advocate Jane Smith. “Without penalties, the law is just words on paper.”
According to ministry spokesperson Mark Johnson, investigations are ongoing, and the government is working with online platforms to identify violators. “We are building cases, but these things take time,” he said. The law applies to all ticket resales in Ontario, including those for concerts, sports, and other events.
Industry Response
Ticket resale companies have adjusted their practices, with some adding disclaimers about price limits. However, a spot check by The Canadian Press found several listings still exceeding the cap, particularly for high-demand events like World Cup matches. One reseller, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the law is “unenforceable” and that “most sellers just moved to other platforms.”
The Ontario government has allocated $2 million for enforcement over two years, but consumer groups say that is insufficient. “We need a task force dedicated to online ticket sales,” said Smith. “Otherwise, the law will be ignored.”
Impact on Consumers
Despite the lack of fines, some consumers have reported lower prices on secondary markets. A survey by the University of Toronto found that average resale prices for major events dropped by 15% since the law took effect. However, experts caution that this may be due to other factors, such as changes in demand.
The law remains controversial, with some arguing it drives sales underground. “It’s a good idea in principle, but the execution is lacking,” said economist David Lee. “Without strong enforcement, it won’t achieve its goals.”
